Medicinal Uses & Benefits of Blueberries

How to Use:
Blueberry

Blueberries are a naturally delicious treat that can be enjoyed without hesitation
- a totally guilt free pleasure. There are many different species
of North American blueberries adapted to thrive in climates from Alaska (Vaccinium
alaskaense) to the Carolina farkleberry (Vaccinium arboreum). Blueberries
are of special interest in the functional/medicinal food category due to the
high levels of anthocyanin and polyphenolic antioxidant compounds they contain.
Blueberries have a higher antioxidant capacity (in some cases as high as 40-50
mmoles TE/g) than other healthy fruits and vegetables; by comparison, kale,
strawberries and spinach have relatively high antioxidant capacities of 17.7,
15.4 and 12.6 mmol TE/g.

Blueberries are very similar in composition to the
cranberry and the European species
bilberry. While bilberries, Vaccinium
myrtillus, have a stronger history of use in folk medicine, and have been
the subject of much more scientific study, there is no strong reason to suggest
the Vaccinium spp. of North America are slackers in comparative health
benefits. People might well turn to their own backyard species of blueberry
as more information comes to light. Fruits harvested at the peak of ripeness
have the highest amount of antioxidants compounds, no matter whether your local
cultivar is Rabbiteye, Lowbush, Highbush, or Bilberry. 1

Recent research suggests that fresh or frozen whole blueberry fruits blended
in smoothies may be more important in maintaining health and athletic performance
than consuming generic dietary supplements, so blend away!2 In one small study blueberry juice appeared to improve memory function in older adults with early memory impairment. This may suggest that blueberries may be useful in delaying the memory impairment and cognitive decline associated with aging. 3

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** Information on the traditional uses and properties of herbs are provided on this site is for educational use only, and is not intended as medical advice. Every attempt has been made for accuracy, but none is guaranteed. Many traditional uses and properties of herbs have not been validated by the FDA. If you have any serious health concerns, you should always check with your health care practitioner before self-administering herbs. **